The average person blinks roughly 15,000 to 20,000 times every day.

Blinking is a semi-autonomic response controlled by the pretectal nuclei in the brainstem and the orbicularis oculi muscle. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) indicates that humans blink far more than necessary just for lubrication. Scientists found that the brain uses blinks as a form of 'mental rest' to momentarily shut down visual attention and reset the nervous system.On average, a single blink lasts between 100 and 400 milliseconds. If a person blinks 15 times per minute over a 16-hour waking day, they complete 14,400 blinks daily. This frequency can drop significantly during high-focus activities. For example, studies show that people using digital screens may blink up to 60% less often, which frequently leads to computer vision syndrome and eye strain.The tear film spread during each blink consists of three distinct layers: the mucous layer, the aqueous layer, and the lipid layer. The lipid layer is produced by the meibomian glands and prevents the watery part of the tear from evaporating too quickly. Without this constant replenishment, the cornea would become vulnerable to infections and surface damage. This biological mechanism ensures the eye remains a clear window for light to reach the retina.